Wing Bassett scores the opening try for England

Bassett got his try midway through the first half when good work from scrum-half Dan Robson teed him up for a simple score.

And while the former Arnold Middle and Harlington Upper School pupil admitted it wasn’t the most difficult of scores he happily accepted the opportunity.

He said: “It was just a little run in but you’ve got to take them as they come. I can’t complain!

“It’s great to score a try and be the first person to score for England in the 2012 World Cup, but it’s what I’m on the pitch for.”

While Bassett was delighted to get on the scoresheet, he would have have happily traded it to ensure victory.

Physical Italy had shocked England by taking an early lead, and the Bedford Blue revealed his side always knew they would have to stay strong.

He said: “It was brilliant for me to get the nod to start, it was a big game against Italy. We knew they would be physical and we built through the game.

“We knew they would disrupt us but we had to keep building.

“They wanted to show they are a force to be reckoned with at this age group. They were coming at us hard and we were making some silly mistakes.”

England eventually eased to victory and the former Ampthill man is hoping to play a part in their next game against Ireland tomorrow.

He said: “We’ve got to take it one game at a time. It’s a very quick turn-around.

“I think the key for us is recovery. We are doing everything we can, having ice baths, pool sessions and making sure we are hydrated.

“The reason we’ve got the 28-man squad is so that everybody can play.”

He’s relishing the full-time environment of being with the England set-up too as Bassett continued: “It’s been a really good experience.

“To come out to South Africa, a country I’ve never been to, with the other boys from Premiership clubs and a full-time set-up it’s great, I love it.

“It’s the winter here in South Africa but it’s still 25, 26, 27 degrees.

“The training is pretty similar. But being in a full-time environment is very different as you’re getting up and having your whole day structured.

“At Bedford you train at night, so it’s great having that exposure and seeing what it’s like in a full-time environment.

“I’m just happy to be involved and will take as much as I can from this experience into Bedford’s pre-season preparations.”

Bassett is rooming with dual-registered Saracens team-mate Ben Ransom and is part of a strong Bedfordshire presence that also includes former Luton Rugby starlet Ben Nutley and ex-Bedford Schooler Jamie Elliott, both now of Northampton Saints.

“Me and Ben we used to play against each other at U14s,” Bassett continued.

“I’ve kept in contact over the years so to meet up now is really good.

“The likes of Ben Nutley and Jamie Elliott both are from Bedfordshire so I’ve known them for some while.”

Bassett was full of praise for director of rugby Mike Rayer and his Blues team-mates too, saying: “It was quite a quick turn-around. All the boys were really behind me.

“Mike and all the coaches spoke to me. It’s thanks to them that I’m here really.”

Meanwhile, Rayer, who had been watching the game on Sky, said: “It’s a great start for him.

“He scored the first try for England in the World Cup which is something to savour.

“He probably looked like the only guy that had a smile on his face.

“That’s the way he plays. You’ve got to enjoy those moments.

“I think he had a pretty good game all round. It’s going to get tougher for England as the games progress but it’s a good hit out.”

Rayer also revealed that Bassett is set to train with Premiership Saracens over the summer – a club with which the Blues have very strong ties.

Although his exploits at the World Cup will put Bassett in the spotlight and possibly draw suitors, Rayer is adamant that it’s in the Championship he needs to continue to show his worth.

He added: “He is going to be training with Saracens over the summer and have a bit of experience there.

“He is under contract. He is a Bedford player. What he will get by staying here next year is regular rugby.

“He won’t be under the radar and will need to keep his upwards curve of improvement.

“Whatever the future holds it will only happen if he keeps doing what he is doing.”